Let's get to the breaking news on the hostage situation in algeria. Several americans involved. Martha raddatz has the latest from rome. Good morning, martha. Reporter: Good morning, george. There are still no clear answers this morning. It is a very volatile situation. And still ongoing. This morning, the fate of as many as five american citizens, along with dozens of others, from places like britain and france, remains unclear, after algerian troops in helicopters stormed this natural gas facility. It appears it was a bloody rescue attempt that went terribly wrong. This morning, the algerian government says its raid is now over, but the situation is still not resolved. The area is so remote. And communications so difficult, no one is really clear what is happening. The british prime minister spoke just moments ago. There is no justification for this hostage-taking. And we will continue to do everything we can to hunt the people down. Reporter: What we do know is that prior to the raid, some hostages were forced to wear explosives around their necks. And at least five americans, who may have been elsewhere on the complex, managed to escape, along with at least one irish worker from belfast. I just can't describe how happy I am. Reporter:36-year-old stephen McFALL CALLED HIS FAMILY Immediately when he was in a safe area. Telling them how he leapt to safety from a jeep after it came under bombardment. Son, dylan, will be waiting for his father to come home. As for those missing americans, defense secretary leon panetta said just a while ago, we are working around the clock to ensure the safe return of our citizens.

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Leon Panetta on Americans Held Hostage in Algeria

Martha Raddatz speaks to the secretary of defense about the hostage situation.